Murcia December 2024 – The Feliz Navidad Trip
13 hot rock seekers met at Villa Castanea on the outskirts of Murcia, ideally located to allow good access to all of the surrounding crags. The party included Barbara Murray & Paul Drew who had driven down through France and Spain, Dave Rumney, Stewart Leitch, Seamus Wrigley, Kev Sales, Paul Bunker, Sandra Karbowiak, Sam ??, Andy Howarth, Al Cameron-Duff who had all flown out, Pete Johnson, Lun Roberts who had also driven down, and let’s not forget Lexie to keep us entertained.
It was a good luxury villa with pool (freezing) and jacuzzi (broken), BBQ x 3, outdoor bar and disco lights with mirror ball (also freezing). It coped well with the group.
Day 1 La Panocha – a warm up day on conglomerate but did little to deter our enthusiasm.
Day 2 El Portus de Rambla – more conglomerate, enough said. Although it was followed up with a rather fine sea swim.
Day 3 Pancha – a big crag with long routes at all grades
Day 4 Mula – challenged us with its steep, steep, steep routes.
Day 5 la Pancha – another big crag with long routes at all grades
Day 6 El Corque – where somebody had attached the holds upside down!
Day 7 Castellar de Bullas – much better than it looked, although the biting flies took their toll.
The following Holiday Quotes stood out.
Seamus Wrigley warning Paul Drew to stop “Sniffing around my Babybels”
Paul Bunker claiming he was “Kneely there” as he elegantly used his knee to finish a route at El Corque.
Lun claiming to “feel like the desiccated toad at the bottom of the route” on a warm day at El Rut (well downright baking)
The trip was serenaded by Paul Bunker’s rendition of Feliz Navidad accompanied by various dogs, including Lexie.
Murcia is definitely worth further visits and proved an excellent destination. As ever, Spain never fails to offer fantastic, quality sun drenched rock. Hasta la Proxima!!